
Regnum Spiritus
(Morbid Chapel Records)
41:43min
FORBIDDEN TOMB latest full-length “Regnum Spiritus” marks yet another step forward in their unique sonic vision of raw Black Metal. Hailing from South Tangerang, Indonesia, this mysterious entity has quietly amassed an impressive discography since their formation, cultivating a signature abrasive yet atmospheric style. On “Regnum Spiritus,” which comes out as their fourth full length, offering listeners an immediate thrust into a maelstrom of harsh tremolo riffs, ritualistic percussion, and demonic vocals, evident from the opening with ‘Conjuration Of The Black Flame’. Also, from the very beginning their basic yet potent framework of utilizing lo-fi production and punishing soundscapes establishes their devotedness concerning the genre. From there to across subsequent tracks, grim melodies emerge from the chaos that slowly reveal cryptic undertones of decay. It is upon repeated listening that the album’s true depths will be unearthed, as each listen unveils a further intensification of depraved themes, with tortured vocals and gloomy guitar work enhancing the hellish atmosphere. Standouts like ‘Sulphuric Ground’, ‘Magickal Temple’, ‘The Summoning’, ‘The Incantation Of The Gate’ and ‘Aeon Of Death’, reveal momentary flashes of melodic brilliance amidst the sonic ferocity. The album closer ‘Regnum Spiritus’ finishes it with a layer of tension through doomy rhythms until reaching a demonic crushing. While punishing in nature, but the whole record offers resonance that will lingers with the listener end of each listening. Despite a rigid structural aesthetic, FORBIDDEN TOMB has refined their abhorrent craft in “Regnum Spiritus”, and their purposefully lo-fi production effectively enhances the raw spirit invoked throughout the record. With this full-length, FORBIDDEN TOMB’s esoteric rituals continue to evolve, and it is for certain, those willing to follow this Indonesian coven into the abyss will find it etched deep into their soul. https://forbiddentomb.bandcamp.com, www.morbidchapelrecords.com
Randolph Whateley
• FORBIDDEN TOMB - Templum Impiorum (Mirco Szymyslik)
• FORBIDDEN TOMB - The Prospector (Mirco Szymyslik)